These images preview some of the stages for this assembly with more to be posted when the project is finished. The major aspect which makes this set unique from the standard MKII model is the upper deck assembly comprised of the ribbon housing which I designed myself, and the surrounding elements for which it interfaces.

This set is constructed from superior grade Russian Baltic Birch (13 layer composite) for the internal structural components plus the top and bottom plates. The outer shell is constructed from standard grade plywood with thick cherry-wood outer layers forming the internal and external finish surface. The cabinet edges are routered to accept inlaid strips of hardwood made from African Padouk which create the accents.

The general cabinets are built in accordance with the blueprints with everything internal being within specifications. The choice of plywood over MDF will create an alternate sound signature for this set. The top plates are adjustable with tensioning devises which allow for cabinet tuning. The port tubes for each chamber are custom flared types which have been adjusted in length to compensate for the characteristics of the straight PVC pipes.

Other than that, this build is very straight forward, conforming close to the original design for the MKII version. There is very little absorption material placed within the cabinets. Just enough to control the wave pressure behind the drivers and reflections from above the drivers. There is acoustical foam placed at the bottom of the averaging chambers and that is the extent of it.

The difference in structural composition between Baltic Birchand standard 5-ply material is seen here. The bottom flares are seated within routered areas to allow for a tighter fit within the plate. There are gaskets seated between the port flares and the plate itself.

The port tubes have adjustable sleeves which are cut to length as specified by speaker design and glued inplace for final assembly.

View of the bottom averaging chamber prior to installing bottom cabinet plate. The floor willbe treated with acoustical foam. The open V area represents the entry point to formthe transmission line.

These views represent the center dispersion plateassembly. The unit is shown being temporarily test fitted.

The spheres are the actual compression points between the plates and the speaker top. These arevery dense hardwood, all mounted directlyto the center plate. The top plate will compress against these spheres and held tightlyby the threaded rod. The tension is controlledby this rod which tunes the plates resonance factor.

The opening from the transmission line can be seen under the rear of this plate.

This center plate is constructed from MDF with the hardwood spheres glued directly to it's top and bottom surfaces. Jam nuts will secure the height adjustment for each plate along the threaded rod. The top plate (not shown) is constructed from solid African Padouk hardwood. This view is direct from the front looking back. The black pad forward ofthe center plate is where the ribbon elementhousing is mounted.

The following images are of my custom designed ribbon element housing in kit form. I developed this design package for the upper frequencydriver assembly. It mounts directly onto the cabinet top where the pad is used as anisolation buffer.

The large capacitors are high grade German M-Caps which are silver in oil types. These are mounted directly within the rear housings with full isolation from vibrationsupporting them. Internal wiring is solid silver.

These images show the other housing assembled and ready for mounting. Note the silver leads exiting from the bottom. These will be hardwired into the main harness going directly to the main driver terminals. The unit is shown lying on its face. Oncemounted, the unit will be calibrated for an angleof attack set at 5 degrees aft. The unit is hinged foradjustability. Provisions are allowed for alternate adjustment.

These views show the actual acoustic foam installation within the chambers. What is seen is the total amount installed.

Shown is a thin gasket cut from cork sheet (adhesive backed) and installed as an interface between the cabinet and the driver frame. Rubber spacers are used between the mounting screws and the front part of the driver frame for maximum isolation.

Foam is installed in upper driver chamber where the tensioning rod mounts.

This is the driver set ready for installation. Notethe acoustic foam surrounding the main drivermotor.

This will control deflections behind the driver by absorbing reflected waves aft of it. This is a trial basis,as this application will need to be tested for confirmationof it's effectiveness.

It may have to be trimmed around the sides, as this fills in a good portion of the area behind the driver. If this proves to be excessive, it will be easy to remove the driver for trimming if found necessary.